Across the country, event planners and hosts rely on inflatable rental companies to add life to the party. Renting out commercial-grade inflatables can be a lucrative business venture, especially for those who want to own their own small business. Most rental operations start with a small collection of bounce houses – the classic inflatable product – and these products are incredibly popular with customers. As the business grows, many business owners look to add to their inventory, giving them the opportunity to reach more customers and to provide inflatables for more events throughout the year.

Inflatable slides are fun and colorful additions to the rental lineup. Here, we’ll check out a few of the most popular inflatable slide models and take a detailed look at the features that make these stand out from the competition.

Inflatable Slides: The Basics

Before we introduce some of the most popular models of inflatable slides, it is useful to understand the major features of these products. There are two primary types: wet/dry slides and dry-only slides. Construction of the two types is the same, with heavy-gauge vinyl material and stitching used throughout to provide lasting durability. Each type features a main body and the slide itself, configured in single or multiple slide lanes. A climbing ramp or ladder is found alongside the slide lanes, or can be mounted to the side or the back of the inflatable unit.

The real difference between the two slide types is in the added feature of the wet/dry slides, which come with a splash pool at the base of the slide instead of an inflatable bumper. Wet/dry slides can be used with water when the weather is warm, or the splash pool can be removed for dry operation in cooler conditions. Dry-only slides can be used year-round, and are a great way to add fun to any party or event where children are expected to be in attendance.

The Swirly Tropical Waterslide

Incredible thrills are in store for youngsters when the Swirly Tropical Waterslide is part of an outdoor event. This model is unique in its configuration, with a long single-lane slide that wraps around the central splash pool. A climbing ramp is located on the side of the unit, bringing riders to the top of the slide. The tropical theme is brought to life with vibrant colors and the addition of decorative inflatable palm trees, one flanking each side of the slide top. View product

Double Lane Fire Marble Slide with Pool

This inflatable creation uses marbled-pattern industrial-strength vinyl fabric in the main body of the slide to give it a hot lava appearance. Towering 20 feet overhead, this model features two separate slide lanes, each with its own small splash pool at the bases of the slides. A centrally-located climbing ladder leads riders to the top, where they may then choose which lane to slide down. Race head-to-head with friends, or simply enjoy the cooling thrills that this colorful commercial grade inflatable product provides. View product

Cheerful Double Lane Slide

Designed for dry operation, this inflatable slide features bright primary colors and a double-lane slide for fun solo or with friends. Each slide lane is protected with a mesh top panel and high bolstered sides for added safety. The climbing ramp to the top is located adjacent to the lanes; at the top, riders may choose which lane to slip down. For a colorful injection of thrills at your next event, a quality inflatable slide from Jungle Jumps is just the ticket. View product

Inflatable slides are some of the best ways to provide fun and entertainment for young event guests. Just like bounce houses and interactives, inflatable slides are popular with children, allowing for endless hours of thrills at outdoor parties and events throughout the year. There are many types of slide, each with its own features and applications. In this guide, we’ll take a look at wet/dry and dry-only slides, giving you the information you need to make your next event a hit.

Inflatable Slides: Design and Construction Basics

Designers of inflatable products work overtime to come up with incredible styles and configurations, giving consumers an incredible selection to choose from. For slides, several features go into the design and construction that make them unique in the inflatables industry.

After coming up with the design, including colors, shapes, and configurations, the construction process begins. Every commercial-grade inflatable slide begins as sheets of heavy-duty vinyl fabric. The manufacturer cuts these sheets into panels according to a detailed pattern. Then, the panels are sewn together using multi-filament nylon thread for lasting durability.

No matter what type of slide, there are three major components: the body, the slide lane or lanes, and the climbing ramp. The body is the “footprint” of the inflatable, providing for a stable base on which the entire unit depends on for structural support. The slide lanes are where the fun begins – some models have single lanes, while others may have dual lanes or even multiples. The slide lanes may be straight or may curve around the body of the inflatable. The lanes are typically lined with a slick-finish vinyl material to make them extra slippery. Finally, there is the climbing ramp, which is typically located alongside the slide lanes, but may be found on the side or back of the unit. Some models feature two slide lanes flanking a central climbing ramp. The climbing ramp gives riders the ability to get to the top of the slide easily.

Wet/Dry vs. Dry-Only Inflatable Slides

After browsing through pages of inflatable slide models, many people may wonder what the differences between wet/dry slides and dry-only slide models are. While the design, construction, and general configuration is the same between these two categories of slide, there are differences in the final product. Wet/dry slides are equipped with splash pools at their slide lane bases, while dry-only slides may have a high bumper, an inflatable wall, or a small ramp. Wet/dry slides may also have a loop or attachment for a water hose near the top of the slide body, helping to keep the slide lanes wet for slippery thrills.

Dry slides are popular with consumers, as they can be used anywhere – in the backyard, at festivals, or even indoors if space permits. Schools and community organizations often host indoor events, and a waterslide simply isn’t appropriate for indoor use. On the other hand, wet/dry slides can offer fun that simply can’t be had with other slide models. The wet/dry slides can be used with the splash pools in warmer months, or the splash pools can be removed during cooler weather, allowing for dry operation. This gives incredible versatility, and many people prefer this style, especially if they expect to host parties all year long. On a hot summer’s day, nothing beats splashing and slipping on a commercial-grade inflatable slide!